Man released in McConville investigation

The abduction, murder and secret burial of Jean McConville is one of the most notorious incidents of the Troubles

A 56-year-old man arrested over the IRA murder of Belfast mother-of-ten Jean McConville more than 40 years ago has been released.

The suspect was detained in west Belfast and taken to Antrim police station for questioning.

The abduction, murder and secret burial of Mrs McConville in 1972 is one of the most notorious incidents of the Troubles.

Veteran republican Ivor Bell was charged last month in connection with the killing.

Mr Bell, 77, from Ramoan Gardens in west Belfast, faces counts of aiding and abetting the murder and of IRA membership.

Mrs McConville, a widow, was dragged away from her children in her home in the Divis flats by an IRA gang of up to 12 men and women after being accused of passing information to the British army in Belfast.

An investigation later carried out by the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman rejected the allegations.

She was shot in the back of the head and buried 80km from her home.

The IRA did not admit her murder until 1999 when information was passed on to gardaí.

She became one of the so-called Disappeared, and it was not until August 2003 that her remains were eventually found on Shelling Hill beach, Co Louth.

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